Faith forged in fire

Faith isn't built in calm waters, only in fire.

The silversmith leans over the fire and the billowing smoke. The silver spoon he is working on reflects from the fire little shapes of light across the room. The silversmith edges the spoon deeper into the fire, the flames licking up the sides of the spoon. Suddenly the spoon yells in frustruation- "Ouch! Why is it so hot? How can you be so cruel to put me in the hottest part of this fire? Do you even care that it's hurting me?"

The silversmith clamly responds- "For you to be refined, you must be forged in this fire. I know it hurts, but this will ultimately bring you to your potential and greatest joy." After more time in the fire, when the spoon felt it would break, a layer came off. Underneath it was revealed a beautiful sheen of silver. The silversmith looked at the spoon and could clearly see His reflection.

"Now you will be part of the Kings fine silverware. I know it hurt, but you are now what you were created to become- holy, refined, pure. Now I can see my reflection in you."

Faith is not built in calm waters only in fire. My words of counsel to you are- hold on in the burning and refining moments. Especially if they don't make sense. Express to the Lord how you feel. Trust in the process.

If you feel you are walking through fire at this moment of your life, know that a layer is being removed, your heart is being refined, and Jesus Christ is purifying you. One day after all of the layers are peeled back and your glimmering, refined self stands before God, He will look at you and see His reflection.

Challenge: Write a journal entry of a prayer to God- Express exactly how you feel. Frustrations and everything. Write down the impressions that come to your heart.